Whole Body Vibration: Is is Possible to Overtrain?
A recent post on this site raised the concern again that vibration training - used too much and too often - can lead to dramatic weight loss.
I know this will sound attractive to some people, but it could come back to bite you in the ass - and I mean that literally.
So what are the risks associated with over-training and why is Vibration Training in particular being singled out ?
Involuntary Ability vs Voluntary Ability
With Vibration Training you do not need to be fit to go beyond your normal limits, which are usually restricted by your voluntary fitness levels. If you are willing to suffer you can always go that extra minute which quickly turns into an extra 10.
What Could Happen
You will start to lose muscle as well as fat, so the scales will show a dramatic weight loss. This also sounds OK to some people unless you really understand what happens after that.
- Loss of mass in the muscle due to them breaking down faster than they can repair. This means less energy is burnt during each session.
- Loss of strength will make poses harder, more unstable and hence dangerous.
- Symptoms similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Immune system drops off.
- Hormone backlash can cause fluid gain and belly fat to appear (mainly females). Sorry girls.
- You could end up with a higher body-fat % than you started with.
Think about this…
Would you run a marathon every day?
Of course not as your body would not handle this punishment for long. Even Olympic athletes need a rest and in fact the anti-aging benefits of Vibration Training need time off to work.
It is important to note that the above will not happen to everybody. Some people might get away with it and get great results with no side effects. However it is my job to make you understand all risks involved with this type of training, as I write material for the majority not the minority.
July 5th, 2008
I think that is so very true. It’s one of the reasons this site is so valuable. As the vibration industry continues to grow, this site should become even more relevant.